The interim government has mandated online returns for everyone except four specific categories of individuals. On the inaugural day of the program, over 10,000 taxpayers submitted their returns.
Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed officially launched the online income tax return filing program on Monday, August 4. Taxpayers showed a remarkable response to the online e-return filing on the inauguration day, with 10,202 individuals filing their income tax returns.
According to a release from the NBR, when online return filing commenced on September 9, 2024, 2,344 taxpayers submitted e-returns on the first day. This indicates that the number of return filings on the initial day of e-return filing for the 2025-26 tax year is nearly five times greater than last year.
Previously, online return filing was made compulsory for individual taxpayers on a limited basis. Approximately 1.7 million taxpayers participated and filed e-returns.
On August 3, the NBR issued a special directive stating that from the tax year 2025-26, online return filing will be mandatory for all individual taxpayers residing in the country. However, this requirement does not apply to senior taxpayers over 65 years of age, physically disabled or special needs taxpayers, expatriate taxpayers, and legal representatives of deceased taxpayers.
Additionally, taxpayers who encounter logical issues preventing them from registering in the e-return system can submit paper returns with prior approval by applying to the Excise Commissioner by October 31, 2025.
At present, taxpayers can pay their taxes and file returns online from the comfort of their homes. Income tax payments are being processed through various mobile financial services, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, bKash, Rocket, and Nagad. After submitting the return, an acknowledgment slip and income tax certificate are automatically generated.
The NBR has stated that if taxpayers experience any difficulties while filing their online returns, 24/7 assistance is available through call centers and other digital platforms for immediate support.
